Nwarnri's first EPL goal earn points Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Forest (Nwaneri, 85)

Nwarnri's first EPL goal earn points Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Forest (Nwaneri, 85)

NWANERI STRIKES!

The 17-year-old caps a perfect afternoon for Arsenal. What a talent this kid is. 

He drives forward and feeds fellow substitute Sterling, who directs the ball back into his path for a cool, first-time finish. 

A first Premier League goal for the youngster. It is likely the first of many.

Arsenal look like their old selves again

With the gap at nine points, some accused Arsenal of being too far away from the top even at this early stage. This was the type of result which stated they won’t go anywhere.

Arsenal looked like their old selves again. This was much more like the team we saw last season that dominated games and gave very little away at the other end.

As the Gunners looked far more potent from open play than before the international break, their own goal was barely threatened. David Raya did not face a shot on target, while all of Forest’s shots came from set pieces.

Arsenal may have benefited from a bit of time off during the break but the return of Martin Odegaard cannot be ignored as a factor for this improvement. The combination with Bukayo Saka down the right opened up a Forest team looking to frustrate with a low block. It took 15 minutes to carve open that gameplan.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had a blip in December and then had a break, recovered and went on a run to come within two points of the title. With a favourable fixture list until the new year, Arsenal look in a good place where they cannot be ruled out.